The Facts: The New York Jets announced Tuesday night that OC Brian Schottenheimer will not return to the team for the 2012 season. According to league and team sources, the Jets have had former Dolphins coach Tony Sparano as their top choice to replace Schottenheimer in the event of a vacancy. The sources said the Jets are expected to announce Sparano's hiring Wednesday.
Diehards Line:Schottenheimer was the Jets' coordinator for six seasons, the last three under Rex Ryan. Ryan maintained that he wanted Schottenheimer back for 2012, but sources at the time indicated to ESPN that a parting was imminent. Schottenheimer had two years and $3.2 million remaining on his contract. He had interviewed for the Jaguars' head-coaching vacancy, but that job went to Mike Mularkey on Tuesday night. ... Stay tuned. More on Sparano's arrival when it's official.